Maybe like me, you are beaming with pride to watch a loved one step across that stage and accept the diploma that represents years of work.

Rather than settling for the usual literal images of caps and diplomas, punch 7 squares out of newspaper, ink the edges with red, and layer them onto slightly larger black squares to represent those mortarboard caps. Rotate the squares so that the newspaper text points in various directions to evoke that time-worn tradition of caps being flung in the air at the end of the graduation ceremony. Adhere red letters spelling out “Big News” on the squares. The featured strip of squares showcasing photos of your loved one from toddler to grown up is the grand finale. A button adds a celebratory note, while the tassel attached to the side completes the theme.

Or here’s a vintage twist that captures the new beginning a graduation represents.

For this card, layer a vintage image of a woman with the stamped and inked image of the globe, vellum cloud stickers, and several background papers. The stamped sentiment on the ribbon implies the graduate is “the pearl,” emphasized by gluing a pearl to her necklace. Stud her head scarf with sparkles to extend the ethereal charm of this composition.

Graduations are about accomplishments, endings and new beginnings. A time to reflect and celebrate… A time to gather one’s energies for the next chapter in life.

Q: Even if you’re not wearing the cap this season, what ‘graduation’ is life presenting to you?

Every artist’s studio gets a bit disheveled from our various projects. (Ok, actually it can get downright riotous in there!)

ee cummings inspires me to say: “My studio is craft-a-licious and muddle-wonderful.” But admittedly it does need a good work-over. Do any other artists and creators of various types tremble at the thought of that chore?

Here are some fun cleaning quotes to keep you company this week:

"My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint." ~Erma Bombeck

"Nature abhors a vacuum. And so do I." ~Anne Gibbons

"I'm not going to vacuum until Sears makes one you can ride on." ~Roseanne Barr

This sweet little pouch will hang prettily on a doorknob to hold your letters, cards, knitting, sewing kit, and so much more.

Cut out a bottom segment of a wire hanger and re-bend the corners to get the size you need for the pouch. Accent the hanger with an antique-looking button and ribbons. Besides recycling hangers, the pouch is a perfect opportunity to give new use to old jeans, scraps of lace, ribbon and material.

Print a vintage photo on transfer paper, trim closely, and iron it onto muslin to create a visual focal point. Use permanent ink to stamp and color wings on muslin, lightly stuff, and sew with gold thread. Create an interesting and textured collage by layering the focal image on top of tulle, coordinating fabrics (fray the edges for added detail), ribbons, flowers, more beads and fancy stitching. Create a second pocket with a wider bit of lace, beaded trim and fabric cutouts.

With electronic communications so ubiquitous, handwritten cards and letters deserve a special storage place.

Q: When do you intentionally create handwritten communications these days?

In honor of all the tough and loving women out there, mothers or not, this one is for you!

Sometimes you've just gotta pull on the boots, saddle up for the ride, and and let nothing hold you back --whether that is carving out your own creative space, speaking your truth, developing your dreams, or setting things straight in your life. Combining the elements of strength (just look at that gal!), whimsy (cows), love, and encouragement, this card just makes you want to step up and be counted.

So...Happy Mothers Day.Let Nothing Hold You Back.

Q: When's the last time you found yourself 'pulling on the boots' to step up to something important to you?

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All photos, artwork, writing, and the I Gotta Create brand variations (igottacreate, iGottaCreate, etc.) are copyright protected, all rights reserved. You may not feature or republish any of my work without express written permission, which to date has not been granted. More details regarding link parties can be found on the sidebar below. Please do feel free to pin my work from here, the original source.

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Copyright

No Republishing

Without Express Written Permission

All photos, artwork, writing, and the I Gotta Create brand variations (igottacreate, iGottaCreate, etc.) are copyright protected, all rights reserved. You may not feature or republish any of my work without express written permission, which to date has not been granted. If I linked up to your party you may use 1 photo in your feature with a direct link to my post and no pin button on or near my art that would have my work pinned with you as the source. Pins of my own projects should come from my original posts to credit my intellectual property. In featuring from a link party, you may not crop my photos or feature them in a montage unless they appear in full and are clearly marked on the photograph as work belonging to me. {For other artists featured here from my parties, click on the the artists' links to Pin. They deserve the credit for their intellectual property!}

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Welcome! My name is Christina, and I am an artist, designer, crafter and blogger. My joy is bringing you a little encouragement for adding creativity to everyday life. Check out my artwork for licensing, and my blog for crafters and makers.